There are scraps of fabric and then there are strings of fabric. The difference? The strings are almost too small to save, yet many of us do just that. In the past, strings were sewn onto a foundation paper (sometimes newspaper), muslin, or usable sections of old table cloths. The finished individual blocks were trimmed and then sewn to create quilt tops, hence the name String Quilts.

Virginia Baker and Barbara Sanders, sisters from Tennessee, have an affinity for string quilts. Their grandmother made these quilts from any and all used fabric—worn-out clothing, feed sacks, curtains, tablecloths, and of course remnants.

Combining their fondness of this past art with convenience of present techniques, this quilting duo has revived the look and process of creating string quilts. Their first, and I’m sure not their last book, String Quilt Revival updates this time-honored quilting process.

I recently had the priviledge of working with Virginia and Barbara—better known as Ginger and Bobbie—on the DVD that accompanies the book. First hand I learned their revival secret, usinglightweight stabilizer as the foundation. Clever! Why not watch a preview of the video.

Now for a tutorial of the Super Star Technique!

A half-square triangle is cut from the stabilizer and a star shape (template given in book) is positioned on point. A string of fabric is aligned on the side of the star shape, right sides together.

After stitching, the string if flipped and pressed to the right side. You learn insights from Bobbie and Ginger’s experience gained from making many string quilts.

Strings are added to each side of the half-square triangle, adding random colorations.

After trimming the half-square triangle, four segments are sewn together to create a block.

What a dramatic look!

Would you like the chance to win a copy of String Quilt Revival? Just let me know your, hmm, approximate quantity of scraps. One box . . . two boxes . . . unknown number . . . !

Bye for now,

Content in this feed is copyrighted by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.

Share this:

Related Posts

3 Comments

Lori WinslowOctober 30, 2011

I would LOVE to win this book! My mother was a devout sewing with Nancy watcher! She passed away just two months ago and I would love to take some of her clothes to make quilts for my brothers, my sister and myself!! Such a creative way to keep her memory with us!!